The Federal Government has commenced the payment of delayed November 2024 salaries for civil servants, following disruptions caused by the migration from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).

The delay, which affected Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), also temporarily hindered access to funds for various programs and projects, causing widespread distress among civil servants grappling with rising inflation and economic hardship.

Civil servants nationwide voiced their frustration over the delay, with many eagerly anticipating their salaries to offset personal expenses amid the current economic challenges.

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) expressed concerns in a letter to its members, highlighting the financial strain caused by the payment disruptions.

The national president of SSANIP, Philip Ogunsipe wrote, “Timely salary payments are not just essential, but critical for the sustenance of our members and their families.

“This unwarranted delay has imposed severe financial hardships, further exacerbating the already difficult living conditions faced by Nigerian workers.”

The union attributed the salary delay to the transition between payroll systems in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, specifically from IPPIS to GIFMIS.

Confirming the payment, a senior director in the Federal Ministry of Defence told Punch, “The salary came in this morning after quite a number of days. Some of us were contemplating staying home because the delay had become too much.”

A teacher in a government school also confirmed receiving her salary.

“I can confirm that my salary came in on Monday morning around 11 am. It took restraint on my part not to go borrow money, as we’re already in the second week of December. The government should always consider its workers in times like this,” the teacher said.